GOVSI Podcast: On the Pension Reform

17. 10. 2025

Government Communication Office

In the new episode of the GOVSI government podcast, host Petra Bezjak Cirman talks with Marijan Papež, long-time Director General of the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZPIZ). The conversation focuses on the pension reform adopted by the National Assembly in September. Whether it will actually be implemented depends on the outcome of the ongoing signature collection for a referendum.

A woman and a man sitting at a round table with microphones.v ozadju zelen zaslon z napisom GOVSI podkast. — Petra Bezjak Cirman and Marijan Papež. | Author Government Communication Office

In the episode, Papež explains why the new reform introduces more decent pensions, and why it is not about cutting rights but rather about strengthening the sustainability of the pension system and ensuring better conditions for retirees. He believes that such a favorable reform for people will not happen again.

He highlights the gradual introduction of changes – the retirement age will rise slowly, but the required years of service will not increase – and outlines several benefits that will take effect in 2026, for both current and future pensioners. Among the key improvements are higher disability pensions, an improved calculation rate for parents, a winter allowance, and other measures designed primarily for those with the lowest incomes.

According to Papež, this is the »least unfavorable, even friendly reform«, achieved through agreement between social partners and trade unions.

Tune in on your favourite platform to listen or watch the episode of podcast and enjoy the experience!